A new footbridge has been opened at West Hampstead Overground station as a late running upgrade slowly progresses.
The new footbridge is considerably wider than the old access space down to the platforms, and the staircases double the width of the older stairs they are replacing. However, the upgrade works are significantly behind schedule, as they were due to be completed a few months ago. Only the footbridge has opened to the public, and it’s not finished either.
Works on the side of the footbridge to link it to the new ticket hall are still underway.
It’s reported that the delay stems from an unexpected massive slab of concrete that was added to the bridge that runs over the railway tracks, and supports the old station entrance.
Plans to pull the old building back and release more space on the pavement may now need to be revised as that would require the pavement to be reinforced to the same level as the road, in case a heavy lorry were to swerve onto the pavement by accident.
The old Edwardian era station building was due to be turned into a “retail opportunity”, although that may now be in doubt if the pavement issue proves intractable.
That should make West Hempstead London Overground station on the North London Line step free accessible. Just like at West Hempstead Thameslink station closer by on West End Lane.
What about West Hempstead Underground station on the Jubilee Line. Will that too become step free.
Plus will there be a footbridge link that would link the Underground station and 2 railway stations together to become what is known as “West Hempstead Interchange”.
Sorry my apologies “Hampstead” not “Hempstead”. I got that from Hemel Hempstead but it does sound so confusing.
Former Mayor Ken Livingstone was looking at ways to bring the three stations together at West Hampstead and possibly making possible for Chiltern and Metropolitan Line trains to stop and create a integrated accessible interchange but locals complained about demolition of shops and the Boris Johnson was elected Mayor and nothing further was done on these plans .
Instead we got the Thameslink Station upgraded and made accessible under Access for All funding and then the Overground upgrade linked to a property development which may now mean full integration of all three stations may no longer possible.
As for the Jubilee Line calls for Step Free Access have been made but the narrow island platform has been used as an excuse to not include Underground Station in accessible improvements now be undertaken by Mayor Khan . There is potential if the industrial premises next to the station was demolished but I can’t see Kens grand plan being resurrected.